Unfinished Business Read Free Page A

it’s not,” she replied.
    “Why didn’t you say anything sooner?” he said, frowning at the stranger as they set off down the street, who turned to watch them go.
    “Like I said, I thought I was imagining it. There are lots of blue Astras about.”
    “Obviously it’s not in your head, it’s a very real danger. Did you get the licence plate?”
    She nodded.
    “Then we go to the police tomorrow.”
    “And say what? That he was parked in the street? That’s not illegal and he’s not actually approached me.”
    “We’ll make them listen,” he said almost brutally.
    They drove the rest of the way in silence, Mark keeping an eye on the rear-view mirror, but there was no sign of the Astra.
    Not wanting to upset the children they didn’t mention their stalker until both girls were safely tucked up in bed.
    “So where have you seen the car before?” Mark said, handing Sarah a glass of white wine and sitting beside her on the couch in the large, luxurious lounge, everything white and contemporary. They’d had a hell of a time keeping it so pristine with two rambunctious children in the house.
    “On the front street, at school, at the shops,” she replied.
    “Wait a minute. You’re telling me you’ve seen this car basically everywhere and you’ve never mentioned it?”
    “I did as soon as I knew something wasn’t right.”
    “You should have told me sooner.”
    “I know and I’m sorry. Please don’t nag me about it, I feel stupid enough as it is.”
    “Alright,” he said, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her to him, already knowing he wouldn’t tell her he’d seen it too, he was so afraid of this sinister stranger being linked to the past he’d fled in London. “After we’ve dropped the kids off at school tomorrow we’ll go straight to the police.” He could ignore it when he thought it just affected him but now it was threatening Sarah he had to do something, he would not take any chances with his wife’s life or his children’s.
    “If you insist but they won’t do anything,” she said.
    “Fine. We’ll wait until he’s attacked you then, shall we?”
    “That won’t happen.”
    “Sarah, you’ve no idea who that man is. He could be some loony released from a mental hospital or a violent criminal. What if he’s the man who’s been going around carving things into women’s bodies?”
    Sarah paled and took a swig of wine. “Oh my God. What if he is?”
    “You’re safe tonight with all the security we’ve got then tomorrow we go straight to the police, no arguments.”
    “You won’t get any from me,” she said, leaning into his warmth.
    He held her even tighter. “I’d kill anyone who tried to hurt you.”
    “I know,” she said, kissing him. “The girls are asleep. How about you take me to bed?”
    “How could I refuse such an offer?” he said before devouring her mouth.

CHAPTER 2
     
    Sarah woke the next morning to find Mark wrapped around her protectively. He’d kept her close all night.
    Mark was a heavy sleeper so she managed to gently disentangle herself from him and quietly climbed out of bed. She pulled on her robe and walked to the window. Opening the curtain she saw the blue Astra parked on the front street right outside their home. It was the first time it had ever got so near and she wondered if the close call the previous night had emboldened the driver.
    “Mark,” she exclaimed.
    “What…what is it?” he said, jerking upright, eyes bleary.
    “The Astra’s back. It’s right outside our house.” Her eyes widened. “The girls.”
    She rushed across the hall and into Donna’s room, who was fast asleep. Next she ran into Megan’s room, who was also sound asleep.
    Mark charged past her and downstairs in his jogging bottoms, pulling on a jumper as he went.
    “Where are you going?” she said, closing Megan’s door and hurrying after him.
    “To have it out with that creep.”
    “Don’t do that, leave it to the police.”
    “They won’t do